Illuminated spinnerbait fishing lure

ABSTRACT

Spinnerbait fishing lures equipped with one or more light sources interacting and/or interfacing with one or more polymer light transmission mediums are described herein. The light source optically coupled to the polymer light transmission medium acts to illuminate one or more areas of the spinnerbait lure to enhance the effect of the fishing lure to maintain its color, color pattern and iridescence.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No.61/586,504 filed Jan. 13, 2012, entitled “ILLUMINATED SPINNERBAITFISHING LURE”, and is a continuation in part of, patent application Ser.No. 13/296,517 entitled “ILLUMINATED FISHING LURE”, filed Nov. 15, 2011,which are both incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

a. Technical Field

Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to fishing equipment, andmore particularly to maintaining the color, color pattern andiridescence to Spinnerbait fishing lures.

b. Technical Background

Salt water and fresh water spinnerbait fishing lures adapted to ensnarefish or other prey are known in the art. Spinnerbait fishing lures are atype of fishing lure equipped with at least one or more rotating blades.The rotation of the blade as the spinnerbait fishing lure is in motionproduces vibrations and sound patterns in the water that mimics smallfish or other prey. The angler can control the direction and action ofthe spinnerbait fishing lure with the use of a fishing rod and reel.

OVERVIEW

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to spinnerbait fishing luresequipped with one or more light sources that interact and/or interfacewith one or more polymer light transmission mediums. The light sourcecan be embedded in or located proximate to the polymer lighttransmission medium to amplify, intensify, and/or disperse light alongthe polymer light transmission medium to maintain the color, colorpattern and iridescence of the spinnerbait fishing lure. It should berealized that the use of an LED or other appropriate light source maynot be intended or utilized for the purpose of attracting a fish tostrike. The LED or light source may be employed to provide illuminationthrough the polymer transmission medium to maintain the color, colorpattern and iridescence of the spinnerbait fishing lure to overcome theadverse affects of loss of light once the spinnerbait lure enters thewater.

In one aspect of the invention, an in-line spinnerbait lure includes ahook and polymer light transmission medium spinner blade; a light sourceoptically coupled to the spinner blade and a power source electricallycoupled with the light source.

In another form of the invention, an in-line spinnerbait lure includes ahook, rotating blade and polymer light transmission medium fish body; alight source optically coupled with the polymer light transmissionmedium fish body and a power source electrically coupled with the lightsource.

In another example, a safety-pin or overhead style spinnerbait lureincludes; a polymer light transmission spinnerbait blade, a metal blade,a polymer light transmission medium fish body; a light source opticallycoupled with the polymer light transmitting spinner blade and a lightsource optically coupled to the polymer light transmission fish body anda power source electrically coupled with each light source.

In yet another form of the invention, not depicted in the diagrams, thepolymer light transmission spinnerbait blade may be attached separatelyto an umbrella fishing rig, a fishing trailer rig, a fishing spinnerharness or a safety-pin spinnerbait lure.

The features, utilities, and advantages of the various embodiments ofthe present invention will be apparent from the following moreparticular descriptions of the embodiments of the invention asillustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. While several implementations are describedin connection with these drawings, the disclosure is not limited to theimplementations disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is tocover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a spinnerbaitfishing lure including a polymer light transmission spinner blade andillumination system.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the spinnerbait fishing lure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front side horizontal view of the spinnerbait fishing luredepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front side horizontal cross-sectional view of the fishinglure depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a left side vertical view of the spinnerbait fishing lurepolymer light transmission blade.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the spinnerbait fishing lure polymer lighttransmission spinnerbait blade shown in FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a front side vertical cross sectional view shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an exploded front view shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an exploded back view shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a right side view of a second embodiment of a spinnerbaitfishing lure including a spinnerbait polymer light transmission mediumfish body and illumination system.

FIG. 11 is a left side view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a left side exploded view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an isometric transparent view of a spinnerbait detachablepolymer light transmission medium fish body including an illuminationsystem.

FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of a third embodiment of the spinnerbaitfishing lure, a safety-pin type spinnerbait; including a polymer lighttransmission spinner blade and illumination system, a metal spinnerblade, a polymer light transmission medium fish body and illuminationsystem.

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram of a first circuit for anillumination system.

FIG. 17 is an electrical schematic diagram of a second circuit for anillumination system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate to an illumination system formaintaining the color, color pattern and iridescence of spinnerbaitfishing lures utilizing a polymer light transmission illuminationmedium. The polymer light transmission medium can be molded to form aspecific design, size, shape, and desired weight of the spinnerbaitblade and or aquatic lure body. Colorants, florescent or reflectiveparticles and other materials can be added to the polymer lighttransmission medium to enhance its appearance. Additionally, in themolding process patterns such as a specific fish scale pattern can becreated providing iridescence around each scale to achieve a desiredappearance.

The light source can be embedded in or located proximate to the polymerlight transmission medium such that light from the light source isamplified, intensified, and dispersed along the polymer lighttransmission medium to provide a natural looking color, color patternand luminescence to the spinnerbait fishing lure. A power source, suchas a battery, can be used to power the light source.

The color, color pattern and iridescence of spinnerbait fishing luresmay change dramatically underwater because water has a density of 1000kg/m̂3 compared to air that averages 1.275 kg/m̂3. Water is 784 more densethan air and acts as a selective color filter causing loss of sunlight,color, contrast and iridescence. The way light transforms under water isresponsible for the typical “under water atmosphere” creating challengesfor the angler with visual lure performance. Spinnerbait fishing lurescan attract fish or other aquatic animals by motion, sound, vibration,and visual appearance. Motion, sound and vibrations can be altered bythe size, shape and weight of the rotating blade, water currents and theangler's ability to retrieve the spinnerbait lure. What the anglercannot influence is the visual appearance of the spinnerbait lure onceit enters the water. As light passes through water it is absorbed andreduced in the process. This light absorption causes spinnerbait fishinglures to lose their color as they go deeper down or further away aswavelengths that make up color perception are absorbed differentlyunderwater.

Many fish see in color and use sight almost 100 percent in theirselection of food as sight may be their dominant sense. It can beappreciated that maintaining the color, color pattern and iridescence tospinnerbait lures at any depth fished, during loss of sunlight, indegrading water clarity, unfavorable weather conditions, and at dusk,dawn or night will catch more fish as the visual lure performance ofother spinnerbait lures are diminished or completely lost under theseadverse conditions.

The polymer light transmission medium must have an acceptable refractiveindex in order to properly amplify the light source in amultidirectional manner through the transmission medium to maintain thecolor, color pattern and iridescence of the spinnerbait fishing lure. Inoptics the refractive index or index of refraction of an optical mediumis a number that describes how light propagates through that medium. Thepolymer light transmission medium should be a generally translucent,clear, or transparent polymer medium.

An ultraviolet protectant additive may be introduced in order tomaintain and protect the clarity of the polymer light transmissionmedium to avoid discoloration. The polymer light transmission medium hasa specific gravity which is the ratio of the density (mass of a unitvolume) of a substance to the density (mass of the same unit volume) ofa reference substance which is usually distilled water at 1.0 kg/dm³.The density of the polymer light transmission medium can range below orabove 1.0 kg/dm³ allowing the spinnerbait fishing lure to have morebuoyancy or to sink at different rates of speed without the use of lead.The “safety-pin” or overhead blade style spinnerbait employs a lead headintegrated with a hook allowing the safety-pin spinnerbait to sink. TheUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service established regulations (50C.F.R. 20) effective Aug. 26, 1990 prohibiting the use of lead shot forwaterfowl hunting in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.The EPA has been also concerned about the water and soil contaminationcaused by the deposition of thousands of tons of lead. On Aug. 3, 2010 aPetition for Rulemaking under the Toxic Substance Control Act was filedby The Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy,Association of Avian Veterinarians, Project Gutpile and Public Employeesfor Environmental Responsibility to ban lead from fishing tackle. Asdescribed above this invention allows all styles of spinnerbait fishinglures to sink at different rates of speed without the use of leadbecause the density of the polymer light transmission medium can exceed1.0 kg/dm³.

The LED coupled with the polymer light transmitting medium can produceany visible light colors as well as ultraviolet and infrared (IR). Theamount of light emitted from an LED is quantified by a single point,on-axis luminous intensity value (Iv) and its intensity is specified interms of a millicandela rating (mcd). When optically coupling the LEDwith the polymer light transmitting medium the luminous intensity whichis affected by the amount of current passing through the LED and itsviewing angle must be considered to generate an acceptable color, colorpattern and iridescence to the spinnerbait fishing lure respective toits size, configuration and refractive index. It should be emphasizedthat the LED is not seen in the spinnerbait lure blade or aquatic bodyas only the polymer transmission medium's illumination from the LED isvisible. The spirit of the invention is to manifest, enhance or maintainthe surface appearance of the spinnerbait lure underwater at any waterdepth fished under any and all adverse water clarity conditions.

As light passes through water, it may be at least partially or fullyabsorbed and much of it lost in the process. This light absorption maycause spinnerbait fishing lures to lose its color as they go deeper downor further away, wavelengths that make up our perception of color areabsorbed differently underwater. The length the wavelength changesunderwater manifest how fast the color is absorbed. Red has the longestwavelength, more than 700 nm One “nm” is equivalent one nanometer, whichis on millionth of a meter. After red comes orange which is between 700nm and 600 nm. After orange comes yellow and so on, all the way down tothe blues and purples which are the shortest at around 400 nm. In clearwater at 10 feet, red changes to a rusty orange color, at 20 feet redappears dark brown, at 40 feet red appears dark blue-green, and at 60+feet red turns black. Orange maintains its color at 10 feet, but at 20feet turns a rust color, at 40 becomes dark brown, and at 60+ feet turnsblack. The color yellow remains unaffected up to 20 feet but transformsto pale yellow at 40 feet and then turns white at 60+ feet. Green turnsto pale green at 60 feet but blue manifest little change except at thegreatest depths. Neon colors remain truer at depth but on a cloudy dayor when light intensity diminishes, reds are the first colors to go,followed by orange, yellow, green, and blue. The distance light raystravel underwater limits the vision of fish and in dark, murky watertheir vision is very poor. Creating an illumination technology to allowthe spinnerbait lure to mimic its surface counterpart underwater withoutobserving the light source is the spirit of this invention.

Embodiments of the spinnerbait fishing lure can also include acompartment adapted to house the power source and some or all of theassociated circuitry for the light source. In some embodiments, thelight source is activated with a switch, while in other embodiments thelight source is activated upon installation of the power source into thecompartment.

FIGS. 1-4 shows one example of a spinnerbait fishing lure 100, anin-line style spinnerbait including a polymer light transmission mediumspinner blade 112 connected by the spinner blade eyelet 110 to theclevis 106. Clevis 106 which is held into place by the first spinnerbead 104 and double head spinner bead 116 rotates 360 degrees in africtionless manner around wire shaft 108 allowing polymer lighttransmission medium spinner blade 112 to rotate at different rates ofspeed in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction depending onretrieval speed and water current conditions. Polymer light transmissionmedium spinnerbait blade 112 also has freedom of movement along the axisof clevis 106 in a vertical and lateral direction.

Spinnerbait bulb weight 114, located between first wire shaft reareyelet 122 and second spinner bead 118, is designed to equalize theweight along wire shaft 108 and create increased water flow directedtoward treble hook 128. Spinnerbait bulb weight 114 can be fabricatedfrom various types of materials including but not limited to: plastic,ceramic, rubber, metal or wood. Treble hook 128 could also be a singlehook, a double hook, or any combination of fishing hooks.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, wire shaft 108 is configured to allow fishingline to connect to first wire shaft front eyelet 102. Treble hook 128 isconfigured to be connected to first wire shaft rear eyelet 122 by treblehook eyelet 124. This configuration allows the strength of wire shaft108 to withstand the force applied between the fishing line and treblehook 128. Along the longitudinal direction of wire shaft 108, doublehead spinner bead 116 gives balance to spinnerbait fishing lure 100compensating for the weight of treble hook 128.

Wire shaft cover 120 allows spinnerbait polymer light transmissionmedium spinner blade 112 to rotate smoothly around wire shaft 108without striking treble hook 128. Treble hook 128 also has treble hookcover 126 which helps hide hook 128 and create additional buoyancy asspinnerbait fishing lure 100 moves through the water. U weight 140 andspinner blade ridges 186 allow polymer light transmission medium spinnerblade 112 to rotate at an increased speed creating additionalcentrifugal force. The U weight may be varied in weight and size tocreate different rates of rotation and vibration to the spinnerbait lure100.

FIG. 4 is a front side horizontal cross-sectional view of the fishinglure 100 depicted in FIG. 3 showing the components arranged from thefirst wire shaft front eyelet 102 through to the treble hook 128. Theillumination system components are also shown as they are aligned withinthe polymer light transmission medium spinnerbait blade 112 and aredescribed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 5-9 show the illumination system components of the lighttransmission medium spinner blade 112. Polymer light transmission mediumspinner blade 112 includes polymer light transmission medium fronthousing 160 and polymer light transmission medium rear housing 130 bothwhich can be molded with colorizers, reflective or other materials tomaintain the color, color pattern and iridescence of desired polymerlight transmission medium spinner blade 112. Furthermore, lighttransmission medium spinner blade 112 win non-translucent portions, suchas those resembling eyes, or other configurations.

As shown in FIG. 7, the light emitting diode (LED) 138 has positiveAnode terminal pin 142 placed against its rubber compression cord 146and negative Cathode terminal pin 144 placed against its rubbercompression cord 148. The two compression cords allow battery 136 topush against terminal pins to activate LED 138.

As further shown in a front and back exploded view of polymer lightmedium spinnerbait blade 112 in FIG. 8-9, LED is positioned between LEDrear housing insertion channel 150 and LED front housing insertionchannel 152. To eliminate confusion and simplify the LED 138 insertionprocess, the length and curvature of the light emitting diode positiveAnode terminal pin 142 is designed to fit into polymer lighttransmission medium spinner blade front housing insertion channel 152and negative Cathode terminal pin 144 is designed to fit into polymerlight transmission medium spinner blade rear housing insertion channel150. The rubber compression cord for LED Anode terminal pin 146 fitsinto rubber compression cord insertion channel front housing 156 andrubber compression cord for LED Cathode terminal pin 148 fits intorubber compression cord insertion channel rear housing 154.

It is to be appreciated that LED 138 and related components could bereversed from the above noted description and that various designs inspinnerbait blade shapes, sizes and weights may be used with the variousembodiments.

Battery 136 fits into the battery cell boot 132 and is protected fromwater intrusion once battery cell boot 132 is pushed downward intobattery cell boot insertion cavity 158. Battery cell boot 132 can bemade from vulcanized rubber, thermoplastic rubber, or thermoplasticelastomer such as Santoprene™, or any other material which allowsbattery 136 to be removed, replaced and or reversed easily due to thestrength and flexibility of the cell boot material. Battery cell boot132 design also allows battery 136 to slide up and down inside thebattery cell boot insertion cavity 158 without falling out through theuse of battery cell boot footing seals 134. Battery 136 could be anytype of power source including but not limited to primary batteries orsecondary batteries.

If the angler chooses not to activate the illumination feature of thepolymer light transmission medium spinner blade 112, the angler canreverse the position of battery 136 so the negative side of battery 136faces positive battery indicator 198. To activate the illuminatedfeature of polymer light transmission medium spinner blade 112 the abovementioned procedure is reversed so the positive side of battery 136faces positive battery indicator 198.

The illumination system circuit 210 shown in FIG. 16 may be implementedin spinnerbait fishing lure 100. As such, LED 138 is activated oncebattery 136 is correctly positioned into battery cell boot 132 andinserted into battery cell boot insertion cavity 158 or 178 shown inFIG. 14. As described above and with reference to other embodimentsadditional components can be included in the illumination system circuit210, such as switch 212 shown in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 10-11 show another example of spinnerbait fishing lure 100, alsoan in-line style spinnerbait, which incorporates polymer lighttransmission medium fish lure body 162, which may be configured asgenerally elongate. Both the present embodiment and the prior embodimenthave first wire shaft 108 with front eyelet 102 and rear eyelet 122, afirst spinner bead 104, clevis 106, double head spinner bead 116, andsecond spinner bead 118. However, in the second embodiment spinnerbaitblade 180 is made of metal and is connected to the clevis 106 by metalspinner blade eyelet 182. Spinner blade body 184 has been added to firstwire form 108 and second wire shaft 206 has been included having fronteyelet 202 connected to rear eyelet 122 of first wire form 108. Secondwire shaft 206 has cover 120 which allows the addition of polymer lighttransmission medium spinnerbait fish body 162 by connecting second wireshaft rear eyelet 204 to classic hook eyelet 168. Classic hook 170,located below dorsal fin 176, is connected to second wire shaft reareyelet 204 by classic hook eyelet 168 allowing polymer lighttransmission medium fish lure body 162 to move freely through the waterboth vertically and horizontally.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of FIG. 11 showing in greater detail thecomponents described above and the illumination system components of thepolymer light transmission medium fish body 162 described in greaterdetail below in FIGS. 13-14.

The polymer light transmission medium described and depicted herein canbe made from various polymer light transmitting mediums having anynumber of optical attributes including but not limited to an acceptablerefractive index for interacting and/or interfacing with the lightsource and/or transmitting or otherwise propagating light emitted by oneor more light sources. In one example, the polymer light transmittingmedium may include translucent, clear, or transparent properties, suchthat the material allows light to pass there through. Depending on thespecific illuminating attributes utilized in any given embodiment, thepolymer light transmitting mediums can interact and/or interface withthe light sources as well as with the ambient light in the water, ifany, to create a particularized illumination inside and/or in closeproximity to the spinnerbait fishing lure body and or spinnerbait blade.Further, certain polymer light transmitting mediums may include one ormore additional optical attributes such as, but not limited to: (1)luminescence, whereby the polymer light transmitting mediums interactwith the light sources to produce a light wavelength having a soft glowof a desired intensity and/or dispersion; (2) iridescence, whereby thepolymer light transmitting mediums interact with and/or otherwise splitlight emitted by the light sources to produce a spectrum of light withmore than one wavelength; for example, but not limited to, one having arainbow like refraction pattern; (3) fluorescence, whereby the polymerlight transmitting mediums interact with the light sources to produce alight wavelength having a bright radiant glow; and (4) reflectivity,whereby the polymer light transmitting mediums reflect light at one ormore wavelengths produced by the light sources without altering thewavelength of the light. Other optical properties may also be providedin the polymer light transmitting mediums. Such properties may operateupon, influence, distort or otherwise alter the phase, amplitude,wavelength and/or other properties of one or more beams of light.

More particularly, the light source can be embedded in or locatedproximate to the polymer light transmission medium in order to amplify,intensify, and/or disperse light along the polymer light transmissionmedium to maintain a color, a color pattern and iridescence to thespinnerbait fishing lure. The polymer light transmission medium may bemade from various polymers, such as polyolefins, polypropylenes,ethylene vinyl acetates, clear aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes,and other polymer materials possessing the specifications previouslydiscussed above. Combinations, mixtures and additives with the abovematerials mentioned may allow specific optical and buoyancy propertiesto be achieved.

In FIGS. 10-15 dorsal fin 176, the anal fin 172, and configuration ofthe caudal fin or tail 174 help stabilize polymer light transmissionmedium fish lure body 162 from rolling side to side as the anglerretrieves this embodiment of an in-line spinnerbait through the water.To maintain scale and fin pattern iridescence appearance on polymerlight transmission medium fish body 162, a depression can be molded intothe polymer light transmission medium allowing an iridescent fin andscale pattern to be created. Scale pattern 166 shown in the FIG. 15 isone example of the numerous scale pattern designs that can be replicatedon the polymer light transmission medium which can also be colorized andhave reflective material added to maintain the exact color andiridescent appearance of the desired bait. Because of pressures,temperatures and molding time required during the injection moldingprocess only certain reflective, such as customized aluminum basedmaterials may be a better material to be used to avoid discoloration ofthe polymer transmission material.

FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of FIG. 13 showing fish head gripcell boot 200 which holds battery 136 in place. Positive batteryindicator 198 shows the proper alignment for the insertion of LED 138into LED insertion cavity 178. Battery cell boot footing seals 134ensures that once fish head grip cell boot 200 is inserted into LEDinsertion cavity 178 a water tight seal is achieved.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of spinnerbait fishing lure 100 asafety-pin type style with wire form 208. Polymer light transmissionmedium spinner blade 112 is attached to split ring swivel 188 which isattached to first wire form eyelet 190 at the top of wire form 208.Light transmission medium spinner blade 112 may include a lighttransmissive medium and/or material. Split ring swivel 188 rotatesfreely in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction allowingpolymer light transmission medium spinner blade 112 to rotate atdifferent rates of speed depending on the angler's rate of retrieve andcurrents encountered in the water.

Metal spinner blade 180 is also attached to form 208 in the same manneras described above. The fishing line is connected to wire form 208 atthird wire form eyelet 194. Polymer light transmission medium fish lurebody 162 is attached to the bottom of wire form 208 by forth wire formeyelet 196 and classic hook eyelet 168 allowing polymer lighttransmission medium fish lure body 162 to move freely through the waterlaterally and vertically resembling the movement of live bait.

Various arrangements and embodiments concerning an illumination systemfor a spinnerbait fishing lure have been described which may include apower source, a light source, and a polymer light transmission mediumand/or material. The spinnerbait fishing lure can include a polymerlight transmission medium rotating blade, fish body or other aquaticanimal and can be formed in various ways and operated in variousmanners. For instance, spinnerbait fishing lure 100 could comprise twopolymer light transmission medium spinner blades 112 attached to apolymer light transmission medium spinner fish body 162 each separatelycontaining LEDs 138. It will also be appreciated that the featuresdescribed in connection with each arrangement and embodiment areinterchangeable so that many variations beyond those specificallydescribed are possible. Therefore, although various representativeembodiments have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterationsto the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scopeof the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification andclaims.

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left,right, back, front, isometric, transparent, exploded, leftward,rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise,and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aidthe reader's understanding of the embodiments, and do not createlimitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of thespinnerbait fishing lure unless specifically set forth in the claims.Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, adjacent, connected, andthe like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediatemembers between a connection of elements and relative movement betweenelements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that twoelements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends”having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with anotherpart. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the presentinvention is not limited to components which terminate immediatelybeyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end”should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent,rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particularelement, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologiesdirectly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operationsare described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled inthe art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. It is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes indetail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fishing lure comprising: a generally blade-likespinnerbait body comprising a light transmission medium; a light sourcecomprising a light-emitting diode, the light source being opticallycoupled with and located adjacent to, or embedded within, the lighttransmission medium so that light emitted from the light source isdispersed along the light transmission medium and illuminates thespinnerbait body of the fishing lure; a power source electricallycoupled with the light source; a wire member extending generally along alongitudinal direction of the spinnerbait body, wherein the wire membercomprises a hook; and a clevis capable of being rotationally coupled tothe wire member, and further capable of rotationally coupling to thespinnerbait body.
 2. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising awire shaft cover coupled to the wire member configured to allowspinnerbait body to rotate smoothly about wire member without strikingthe hook.
 3. The fishing lure of claim 1, further comprising compressioncord configured to bias the power source against terminal pins of thelight source to activate the light source.
 4. The fishing lure of claim1, further comprising a hook cover adjacent the wire member and the hookconfigured to increase buoyancy of the fishing lure.
 5. The fishing lureof claim 1, wherein the spinnerbait body comprises ridges configured toenhance the effects of the fishing lure.
 6. The fishing lure of claim 1,wherein the spinnerbait body comprises generally non-light translucentportions to enhance the effects of the fishing lure.
 7. The fishing lureof claim 1, wherein the spinnerbait body comprises a front and a rearhouse configured to generally enclose the light source and the powersource.
 8. The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the spinnerbait bodycomprises an ultraviolet protectant additive capable of reducingdiscoloration of the spinnerbait body.
 9. A fishing lure comprising: agenerally elongate body comprising a light transmission medium, anddefining a longitudinal direction; a light source comprising alight-emitting diode, the light source being optically coupled with andlocated adjacent to, or embedded within, the light transmission mediumso that light emitted from the light source is dispersed along the lighttransmission medium and illuminates the elongate body of the fishinglure; a power source electrically coupled with the light source; a hookcoupled to the elongate body, and extending generally along alongitudinal direction of the elongate body; a wire member coupled tothe hook; a generally blade-like spinnerbait; and a clevis capable ofbeing rotationally coupled to the wire member, and further capable ofrotationally coupling to the spinnerbait.
 10. The fishing lure of claim9, further comprising a wire shaft cover coupled to the wire memberconfigured to allow spinnerbait to rotate smoothly about wire memberwithout striking the elongate body.
 11. The fishing lure of claim 9,wherein the elongate body generally resembles a fish and comprisesgenerally fin-like structures configured to stabilize the elongate bodywhen moving in water, and enhance the effects of the fishing lure. 12.The fishing lure of claim 9, wherein the elongate body comprisesgenerally non-light translucent portions to enhance the effects of thefishing lure.
 13. The fishing lure of claim 9, wherein the elongate bodycomprises a front and a rear house configured to generally enclose thelight source and the power source.
 14. The fishing lure of claim 9,wherein the elongate body comprises an ultraviolet protectant additivecapable of reducing discoloration of the spinnerbait body.
 15. Thefishing lure of claim 9, wherein the elongate body comprises a generalscale pattern capable of enhancing the effects of the fishing lure. 16.A fishing lure comprising: a generally elongate body comprising a lighttransmission medium, and defining a longitudinal direction; a lightsource comprising a light-emitting diode, the light source beingoptically coupled with and located adjacent to, or embedded within, thelight transmission medium so that light emitted from the light source isdispersed along the light transmission medium and illuminates theelongate body of the fishing lure; a power source electrically coupledwith the light source; a hook coupled to the elongate body, andextending generally along a longitudinal direction of the elongate body;a generally blade-like spinnerbait; a light transmissive spinnerbaitcomprising a light transmission material; a light source comprising alight-emitting diode, the light source being optically coupled with andlocated adjacent to, or embedded within, the light transmission materialso that light emitted from the light source is dispersed along the lighttransmission material and illuminates the light transmissive spinnerbaitof the fishing lure; a power source electrically coupled with the lightsource; and a wire member coupled to the hook, spinnerbait, and lighttransmissive spinnerbait.
 17. The fishing lure of claim 16, wherein thelight transmissive medium or material comprises an optical attributeconfigured to alter at least one property of the light from the lightsource.
 18. The fishing lure of claim 17, wherein the optical attributeis configured to alter at least one of a phase, an amplitude, and awavelength of light from the light source.
 19. The fishing lure of claim17, wherein the optical attribute comprises non-translucence.
 20. Thefishing lure of claim 16, wherein the elongate body comprises a generalscale pattern capable of enhancing the effects of the fishing lure.